The family living in this house enjoys hot water heated by the sun with a solar thermal system.

Solar heating harnesses the power of the sun to provide solar thermal energy for solar hot water, solar space heating, and solar pool heaters. A solar heating system
saves energy, reduces utility costs, and produces clean energy.
The efficiency and reliability of solar heating systems have increased dramatically, making them attractive options in the home or business. But there is still room for improvement. The U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) and its partners are working to design even more cost-effective solar heating systems and to improve the durability of materials used in those systems. This research is
helping make these systems more accessible to the average consumer and helping individuals reduce their utility bills and the nation reduce its consumption of fossil fuels.

To help more Americans benefit from these systems, the U.S. Energy Policy Act implemented a 30% tax credit for consumers who install solar water heating
systems. To be eligible for this tax credit, the systems must be certified by the Department of Energy's non-profit partner, the Solar
Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC). In addition many states have state tax incentive credits. For instance North Carolina currently offers a 35% tax credit.